Mechanical Sciences
4-H Electricity Project
The Colorado 4-H Electricity Project introduces youth to the principles and applications of electrical systems through hands-on learning experiences, with units tailored to different skill levels.
Unit 1, Magic of Electricity, is for members 8-18 with little to no experience and covers basic concepts such as controlling the flow of electricity in circuits and understanding electric attractions. Unit 2, Investigating Electricity, builds on these skills, teaching AC and DC currents, Ohm’s law, series and parallel circuits, switching circuits, and building alarms. Unit 3, Wired for Power, focuses on safe electrical practices, energy use, fuses and circuit breakers, types of wires and bulbs, appliance nameplates, plug and outlet types, grounding, and locating circuits in the home. Unit 4, Entering Electronics, is designed for members 11 and older with advanced electrical knowledge, exploring LED and SCR operation, working with diodes, performance with LEDs, burglar alarms, and sound-based circuits.
Throughout the project, youth develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and technical skills applicable to STEM careers.
Project Overview
UNIT 1
Magic of Electricity
Designed for members 8-18 years old with little to no electrical energy experience.
Inspiring youth to:
- Accomplish the following learning experiences:
- Plugging in
- Bright lights
- Control the flow
- Circuit sense
- Electric attractions
- Make it spin
UNIT 2
Investigating Electricity
Designed for members 8-18 years old who understand basic electrical principles.
Inspiring youth to:
- Accomplish the following learning experiences:
- AC and DC electrical currents
- Investigating Ohm’s law
- To flow or not to flow
- Series and parallel circuits
- Switching circuits
- Building an alarm
UNIT 3
Wired for Power
Designed for members 8-18 years old who understand basic electrical principles.
Inspiring youth to:
- Accomplish the following learning experiences:
- The code of safe practices
- How much electricity are you using?
- Fuses and circuit breakers
- Types of wires and bulbs
- Appliance nameplates
- Plug/outlet types, grounding
- Locating circuits in your home
UNIT 4
Entering Electronics
Designed for members 11-18 with understanding of advanced electrical principals.
Inspiring youth to:
- Accomplish the following learning outcomes:
- LED or SCR
- Operating with diodes
- Performance with LED
- Burglar proof
- Turn up the volume
Official Project Materials
Materials & Curriculum
Member Resources
Find Your County
Counties play a crucial role in 4-H by providing a platform for young people to learn and grow.
Counties facilitate the delivery of 4-H programs that are of particular interest in their area and qualified, compassionate adult leaders run local clubs to support our youth 4-H members.
To find out if this project is supported locally, contact your local extension office.
Upcoming Events
Currently there are no events scheduled at this time associated to this page. Please check back for the latest events as they are scheduled.
Project Tips
- Do at least three required activities and four optional activities (Brain Boosters) each year. Check them off on page 5 of the manual.
- Be sure to list day, month, and year for the completed activities.
- Be sure to have your leader or parent initial each activity.
- Take part in at least two leadership experiences each year.
- Be sure to include your completed manual with your e-record in a secure binder.
- If you plan to take the unit for more than one year, make sure that each exhibit is different each year.
- Entering Electronics is for Senior 4-H members only.
- Enter your project in your county fair.
- Share information learned in talks and displays.
Judging Criteria
- Project is evaluated on the completeness of the manual and e-record, and the quality of the exhibit
- E-record includes demonstrations, talks, story, and pictures, with at least one action shot of the member doing something with his or her project
- Neatness and legibility
Careers
Electrician
To repair existing or install new electrical systems
Safety
Provide oversight and educational awareness to those involved in electrical occupations and the public
Research
Test out new methods and techniques, increase efficiency, and improve safety
Education
Opportunity to teach others about electricity, designs, and application
Retail
Sale of products to support the electrical industry including raw materials, retail products, and support to consumers
Emergency / Disaster
Work in different avenues to provide electrical service repairs and rebuilds
Regulation &
Inspection
Work with a variety of entities to ensure safe products and infrastructure that involve electricity
Manufacturing
Create and assemble products for use with electrical functions